Hand Warmer Pouch

ABSTRACT

A hand warmer pouch in which a tubular cavity lays flat against the body when hands are not inserted into the tubular cavity. The hand warmer pouch can have an elliptical shape with curved ends to provide an ergonomic shape. The outer shell of the hand warmer pouch is formed of a water resistant fabric. The inside of the tubular cavity is formed of an insulation fabric. The ends of the belt can be sewn onto the rear of the hand warmer pouch. A gripping portion can be attached to an inner surface of each end of the belt adjacent to the attached ends.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hand warmer pouch which islightweight and ergonomically shaped and provides warmth and waterresistance during extreme weather conditions, such as during sportingand rugged outdoor activities.

2. Description of Related Art

Hand warmer pouches are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,355 describes a handwarmer for outdoor sportsman. The hand warmer uses an adjustable beltthat attaches the hand warmer about the waist. The main body of the muffhas end portions that diverge outwardly. The inner layer of the pouch isformed of a foam-type padding having a depth of approximatelythree-quarters of an inch of a flexibly stiff nature to provide acertain degree of stiffness to the muff. A cover is made of a nylonmaterial. An interlayer is made from a material similar to thermalunderwear.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,519 describes a handwarmer pack having a fanny packsuitable for receiving objects and a pocket mounted on the fanny pack. Amuff of a rectangular configuration is folded in half and maintained ina cylindrical configuration by using a releasable fastening means in thepocket. The muff can be used in the pocket or removed from the pocket.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,401 describes an insulated hand warmer adapted to beattached to the user's waist by a belt apparatus. The insulated handwarmer has a front wall, a top wall, a back wall, a bottom wall and acollapsible wall, and a plurality of adjustment straps. The hand warmercan be compressed against the user's body by the adjustment straps whennot in use. The insulated hand warmer also features a central pocketwherein a heat source can be placed. The user's hands are inserted fromeach end of the insulated hand warmer to come into contact with the heatsource. A front pocket for storage of the user's travel articles is alsotaught.

The above described patents have the shortcoming of extending a distancefrom the user and having a bulky shape which is not desirable duringactive sporting or outdoor activities. It is desirable to provide a handwarmer which is slim and lays substantially flat against the user whichis formed of fabrics to keep wind out and heat in.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hand warmer pouch in which a tubularcavity lays flat against the body when hands are not inserted into thetubular cavity. The hand warmer pouch can have an elliptical shape withcurved ends to provide an ergonomic shape. Ends of the cavity can beangled such that the cavity has a longer length at the bottom formatching the shape of the hands. The hand warmer pouch is slim andprovides a sleek design.

The outer shell of the hand warmer pouch is formed of a water resistantfabric. The outside shell is formed of a fabric, which can be soft andflexible. Preferably, the water resistant fabric is neoprene treatedwith a water repellant spray. The outer shell provides a thermal barrieras well as added wind and water resistance.

The inside of the tubular cavity is formed of an insulation fabric.Preferably, the insulation fabric is a fleece material. The high loftfibers in the fleece material create pockets that trap air and retainbody heat, providing outstanding warmth without weight, while offeringexcellent breathability and dry quickly to provide the utmostversatility and performance under extreme weather conditions, such asbelow 32° F.

Ends of a belt can be attached to the rear of the hand warmer pouch. Thebelt is formed of a plurality of straps. For example, the straps can beformed of a nylon web material. A female portion of a release buckle isattached to a first section of one of the straps. A male portion of therelease buckle is coupled to a second section of one of the straps. Therelease buckle can be a quick release buckle for expeditious release ofthe belt. The length of the belt can be adjusted with an adjustmentbuckle. An end of the belt strap can be doubled over itself and threadedthrough the adjustment buckle. In one embodiment, the belt includes aplurality of retainer compartments on either strap suitable forretaining bullets, shells, or any type of ammunition on the belt. Forexample, the belt can keep 5-30 units of ammunition at the ready for aquick reload.

The ends of the belt can be sewn onto the rear of the hand warmer pouch.A gripping material can be applied to an inner surface of each end ofthe belt adjacent to the attached ends. The gripping material forexample can be formed of rubber, silicone or rubberized silicone. Thegripping material grips wet or dry clothing to secure the hand warmerpouch in place and prevent the hand warmer pouch from riding up and downthe body.

A pocket can be positioned on an inner surface of the hand warmer pouch.The outside of the pocket is formed of water resistant material and canbe integral with the outer portion of the hand warmer pouch. A closuredevice can be used for closing the pocket. For example, the closingdevice can be a zipper. Preferably, the closing device is a bondedzipper to prevent any moisture from entering the pocket. The zipper isbonded to the pouch using laser-cut fabric that works in a similarfashion to an adhesive seam tape. This eliminates stitching bulk, zippertape, and weight from the hand warmer pouch. The waterproof bondedzipper can include a dock for the zipper head to eliminate any gap inthe closure. The zipper body blocks water and directs it away from theinside of the pocket. The zipper is slim, flexible and light, as well asseamless.

The utility pocket can be used to hold for example a cellphone, keys,coins, mouth guard, and other personal belongings and outdooraccessories. The utility pocket can be used to receive one or moreheating elements.

The inner surfaces of the utility pocket can be formed of an insulationmaterial such as fleece. The inner wall of the utility pocket forms theinner wall of the tubular cavity. The heating element can conduct heatthrough the inner wall of the utility pocket into the tubular cavity.

Both insulation and outer shell layers are cut for minimal bulk toprovide the user full range of motion. The hand warmer pouch can be usedduring hunting, camping, fishing and other rugged outdoor activitieswithout restricting any movements of the wearer. Alternatively, the handwarmer pouch can be used during athletic activities without restrictingany movements of the wearer. For example, the hand warmer pouch can beworn by football players in cold weather games. During use the handwarmer pouch helps to lock cold air out of the tubular cavity whilekeeping received hands warm within the tubular cavity. The hand warmerpouch provides lightweight, weather protection.

The invention will be more fully described by reference to the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hand warmer pouch in accordance with theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch during insertion of awearer's hands into a tubular cavity of the hand warmer pouch.

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of the insulation fabric inside thetubular cavity.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the hand warmer pouch including a closuredevice.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch attached to anadjustable belt.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the hand warmer pouch and adjustable buckle andincluding a bonded zipper closure device.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the hand warmer pouch including a camouflagedesign on the outer shell.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch of FIG. 7 including abelt for retaining bullets.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the hand warmer pouch of FIG. 7 including abelt for retaining shells.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a quick release buckle.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a twister buckle.

FIG. 11B is an end view of the twister buckle.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a slider buckle.

FIG. 11D is an end view of the slider buckle.

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of a flat buckle.

FIG. 11F is an end view of the flat buckle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodimentof the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be usedthroughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or likeparts.

Hand warmer pouch 10 includes tubular cavity 20 at front 11 of body 19.Outer shell 12 of hand warmer pouch 10 and outer shell 14 of tubularcavity 20 is formed of a water resistant fabric. Outer shell 12 andouter shell 14 can be formed of a fabric which can be soft and flexible.Preferably, outer shell 12 and outer shell 14 are formed of a waterresistant flexible fabric of neoprene treated with a durable waterrepellant (DWR) finish. Hand warmer pouch 10 includes body 17 having anelliptical shape with curved ends 15, 16 to provide an ergonomic shape.For example, body 17 can be a length in the range of about 15-20 inches,preferably 17 inches.

Tubular cavity 20 lays flat against body 17 of wearer when hands are notinserted into tubular cavity 20. Tubular cavity 20 extends from the bodyduring use as shown in FIG. 2. Ends 22, 24 of tubular cavity 20 can beangled at an Angle A₁ between bottom 25 and top 26 of tubular cavity 20as shown in FIG. 1. Length L₁ of bottom 25 can have a longer length thanlength L₂ of top 26. For example, length L₁ can be in the range of about10-14 inches, preferably 12 inches and L₂ can be in the range of about8-12 inches, preferably 10 inches. For example, a width of tubularcavity 20 can be 5 mm without the hands inserted and about 3.5 to 5 in.depending on hand size and placement in pouch. Tubular cavity 20 canhave a size to accommodate all hand sizes and placements.

Inside 30 of tubular cavity 20 is formed of insulation fabric 32 asshown in FIG. 3. Insulation fabric 32 can be a fleece material. The highloft fibers in the fleece material create pockets that trap air andretain body heat. A suitable insulation fabric 32 is POLARTEC® THERMALPRO® fabrics manufactured by POLARTEC®.

Utility pocket 40 can be positioned on inner surface 18 of tubularcavity 20 at rear 13 of hand warmer pouch 10 as shown in FIG. 4. Closuredevice 42 can be used for closing utility pocket 40. For example,closure device 42 can be a zipper 43 including pull 44 and teeth 45.

Inside 46 of utility pocket 40 is formed of insulation fabric 32.Utility pocket 40 can receive one or more heating elements 49. Asuitable heating element 49 is a hand and pocket warmer such asmanufactured by Grabber Performance Group as Mini-Mini Heater element 49to provide up to seven hours of heating. In one embodiment, inner wall47 of utility pocket 40 forms or is integral with inner wall 48 oftubular cavity 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Insulation fabric 32 can be afleece material. In this embodiment, heat can be transferred from innerwall 47 of utility pocket 40 to inner wall 48 of tubular cavity 20.

Referring to FIG. 5, ends 52, 53 of belt 50 can be attached to rear 13of body 19 of hand warmer pouch 10. Belt 50 is formed of straps 54, 55.A suitable material for straps 54, 55 can be a nylon web material.Female portion 60 of a release buckle 61 can be attached to a firstsection 57 of strap 54. Male portion 62 of release buckle 61 can beattached to second section 58 of strap 55. Release buckle 61 can be aquick side-release buckle for expeditious release of female portion 60from male portion 62. The length of strap 55 can be adjusted withadjustment buckle 65. End 59 of strap 55 can be doubled over itself andthreaded through adjustment buckle 65.

Ends 52, 53 of belt 50 can be sewn onto rear 13 as shown in FIG. 6.Gripping portion 70 can be attached to inner surface 73 of respectivestraps 54 and 55 adjacent to attached ends 52 and 53. Suitable materialsfor gripping portion 70 include rubber, silicone or rubberized silicone.

Closing device 82 can be used for closing pocket 40. Closing device 82is a bonded zipper 83. Bonded zipper 83 includes zipper head 84 andmating closure members 85 to be waterproof and prevent any moisture fromentering pocket 40. Bonded zipper 83 is bonded to pocket 40 using alaser-cut fabric. Zipper head 84 docks into docking portion 86 toeliminate any gap in closure of bonded zipper 83.

FIG. 7-9 illustrate an embodiment preferable for outdoor activities.Front 11 and rear 13 can be formed of camouflage material 100.Camouflage material 100 can be formed of a water resistant flexiblefabric of neoprene printed with a camouflage pattern.

Camouflage material 100 can be treated with a water repellant spray.Suitable camouflage patterns include MOSSY OAK® and BREAK UP INFINITY®as manufactured by MOSSY OAK®.

Strap 55 can be replaced with strap 105, which includes retainercompartments 106 suitable for receiving and retaining bullets 107 asshown in FIG. 8. Strap 55 can be replaced with strap 115, which includesretainer compartments 116 suitable for receiving and retaining shells117 as shown in FIG. 9.

Hand warmer pouch 10 can be used during hunting, camping, fishing andother rugged outdoor activities without restricting any movements of thewearer. Alternatively, hand warmer pouch 10 can be used during athleticactivities without restricting any movements of the wearer.

FIG. 10 illustrates release buckle 61 which can be a quick releasebuckle. Side release activation buttons 64 can be pressed to releasefemale portion 60 from male portion 62.

FIG. 11A-11F illustrate optional embodiments of magnetic buckles 200,300, and 400 that can be used to replace release buckle 61.

Magnetic buckles 200, 300, and 400 are based on a magnetic technologyincluding magnets which make them easy to close and the secure snapfunctionality ensures a continuously high locking force. Buckle 200 is amagnetic twister buckle including buckle portion 204 and 206 coupled bymagnetic fasteners 202, 203 which provide double mechanical snapfunctionality. Buckle 200 can be opened easily with a slight twistingmotion to separate magnetic fastener 202 from magnetic fastener 203.Preferably, buckle 200 is manufactured by FIDLOCK® as the SNAP BUCKLETWISTER 40®.

Buckle 300 includes buckle portion 304 and buckle portion 306 coupled byspring 302 inside buckle 300. Buckle 300 closes automatically and isopened by sliding portion 303 laterally. A suitable buckle 300 ismanufactured by FIDLOCK® as a SNAP BUCKLE FLAT®.

Buckle 400 is a magnetic slider. Buckle 400 including buckle portion 404and buckle portion 406 coupled by magnet 402. Buckle 400 can be easilyand conveniently opened by sliding magnet 402 laterally and it closesautomatically. Buckle 400 combines advantages of a magnet and a snapfastener. Preferably, buckle 400 is manufactured by FIDLOCK® as theSLIDER®.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments areillustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments,which can represent applications of the principles of the invention.Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised inaccordance with these principles by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand warmer pouch comprising; a body and atubular cavity formed on a front of the body, wherein each end of thetubular cavity is adapted to receive a wearer's hands and the tubularcavity lays flat against a body of the wearer when the wearer's handsare not inserted in the tubular cavity.
 2. The hand warmer pouch ofclaim 1 wherein the body has an elliptical shape with curved ends. 3.The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 wherein ends of the tubular cavity areangled, the tubular cavity has a longer length at a bottom than at atop.
 4. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 wherein an outer shell of thehand warmer pouch is formed of a water resistant fabric.
 5. The handwarmer pouch of claim 4 wherein the fabric is flexible.
 6. The handwarmer pouch of claim 4 wherein the water resistant fabric is neoprenetreated with a water repellant spray.
 7. The hand warmer pouch of claim1 wherein an inside of the tubular cavity is formed of an insulationfabric.
 8. The hand warmer pouch of claim 7 wherein the insulationfabric is a fleece material.
 9. The hand warmer pouch of claim 1 furthercomprising a belt, ends of the belt are attached to the body.
 10. Thehand warmer pouch of claim 9 wherein the belt is formed of a pluralityof straps, a female portion of a release buckle is attached to a firstsection of a first one of the straps and a male portion of the releasebuckle is coupled to a second section of a second one of the straps. 11.The hand warmer pouch of claim 10 further comprising an adjustmentbuckle received through an end of the second one of the straps and thesecond one of the straps can be doubled over itself and threaded throughthe adjustment buckle.
 12. The hand warmer of claim 10 wherein therelease buckle is a side release buckle including a release flange oneither side of the buckle, the release flanges being released to releasethe female portion from the male portion of the release buckle.
 13. Thehand warmer pouch of claim 10 wherein the release buckle is a magneticrelease buckle including a pair of magnets on either side of the buckle,the magnets being released from one another to release the femaleportion from the male portion of the release buckle.
 14. The hand warmerpouch of claim 13 wherein the magnets are twisted from one another forreleasing the magnets.
 15. The hand warmer pouch of claim 13 wherein themagnets slide from one another releasing the magnets.
 16. The handwarmer pouch of claim 9 wherein the belt includes a plurality ofretainer compartments, the retainer compartments adapted for receivingbullets.
 17. The hand warmer pouch of claim 9 wherein the belt includesa plurality of retainer compartments, the retainer compartments adaptedfor receiving shells.
 18. The hand warmer pouch of claim 9 furthercomprising a gripping portion attached to an inner surface of the eachend of the first and second straps adjacent to the attached ends. 19.The hand warmer pouch of claim 18 wherein the gripping portion is formedof rubber, silicone or rubberized silicone.
 20. The hand warmer pouch ofclaim 1 further comprising a utility pocket positioned on an innersurface of the tubular cavity.
 21. The hand warmer pouch of claim 20wherein an inner wall of the utility pocket forms an inner wall of thetubular cavity, the inner wall of the utility pocket being formed of aninsulation fabric, wherein the utility pocket being adapted to receive aheating element and heat from the heating element being conducted fromthe utility pocket to said tubular cavity.
 22. The hand warmer pouch ofclaim 20 further comprising a closure device for closing the pocket. 23.The hand warmer pouch of claim 22 wherein the closure device comprises azipper.
 24. The hand warmer pouch of claim 22 wherein the closure devicecomprises a bonded zipper.
 25. The hand warmer pouch of claim 24 whereinthe bonded zipper is waterproof.